Icelandic GQ

It is becoming more popular here in Iceland, to modify the Nissan Patrol GQ (as well as the new GU) for winter traveling on snow in the wilderness of Iceland. I now have 1993 Nissan Patrol GR, 2.8 Turbo Diesel, which I recently "finished" modifying for 38" tall tires. The attached pictures show the result. The following is a brief description of the modifications to make space for the big tires and to improve the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

• Replace original springs and shocks with Old Man Emu springs and shocks front and rear and install aluminum spacer under new springs. Giving total lift of 115 mm.
• Lower the joining point of the axle links and the frame, both front and rear, (only the lower rear links).
• Increase the castor angle to 6 degrees by tilting the front axle.
• Lower the bump stops both front and rear.
• Replace the steering tie rod (between steering gear and axle) by longer adjustable one.
• Install double universal joint in front (propeller) shaft.
• Modify brake lines and other lines, to fit the new axle arrangement.
• Extend the anti-sway bar connecting rods front and rear.
• Cut the body and reshape, both front and rear for additional tire space.
• Install fender flares to cover tread of new tires.

I have installed an intercooler (in front of the radiator) for improved engine performance [see turbos], also a Garmin 128 GPS, mobile phone and CB radio.

Some time in the future, hopefully the near future I am planning to install ARB air locker in front axle and a crawler gear or lower gear ratio in the differentials. An additional fuel tank would be nice too.
- Oskar Erlingsson

PS. On 18/12/1998 volcanic eruptions began at Vatnajokull.

Go to the Nissan GQ and Iceland pages